Audi Unveils First All-Electric Production Car

Audi took the wraps off the e-tron, its first all-electric production car, at a launch event in San Francisco on Monday evening.

The electric SUV is powered by two electric motors and is able to recover energy on deceleration, giving it a range “that is suitable for driving long distances”, according to Audi.

It features electric all-wheel drive and an integrated electrohydraulic brake control system with Audi being the first car manufacturer to use such a system in an electric production vehicle.

Virtual exterior mirrors are an option as a worldwide first, reducing aerodynamic drag and bringing in a new level of digitalization inside the car.

The car will be built at a CO2-neutral plant in Brussels while initial deliveries to European customers will begin later this year.

Its starting price in Germany is €79,900 (c. $92,000).

Audi to Offer 12 Electric Cars by 2025

Audi has pledged to offer a range of 12 all-electric cars to make up one-third of its sales by 2025.

Its range will include the e-tron and e-tron Sportback, which will debut in 2019. It will also produce a series of models with Avant and Sportback layouts.

“The Audi e-tron is definitely a highlight in the history of our company and the starting signal for our electrification strategy,” commented Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development.

“In the future, virtually every market segment will include models powered by a combination of electric motors and a combustion engine, and that can be charged at an electric outlet.”

Audi will debut its e-tron GT concept show car, which features technology developed in collaboration with Porsche, at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year.